Joyful Recollections of Trauma

By: Paul Scheer

Narrated by: Paul Scheer

From award-winning actor and comedian Paul Scheer, a candid and hilarious memoir-in-essays on coming to terms with childhood trauma and finding the joy in embracing your authentic self, featuring content exclusive to the audio edition, including excerpts from live shows and audio clips from home movies.

Paul Scheer has entertained countless fans and podcast listeners with stories about the odd, wild, and absurd details of his life. Yet these tales have pointed to deeper, more difficult truths that the actor and comedian has kept to himself. Now, he is finally ready to share those truths for the first time—but, of course, with a healthy dose of humor.

Blending the confident, affable voice that has won him a dedicated following with a refreshing level of candor, Joyful Recollections of Trauma chronicles Paul’s often shocking, admittedly tumultuous childhood and how the experiences of his youth have reverberated throughout his life. In his comedy, Paul has always been unafraid to “go there,” to play naïve, cringeworthy characters, imbuing them with disarming charm and humanity. That daring openness is on display in this memoir, but in true Paul fashion, it is also surprising, eye-opening, and side-splitting.

In this madcap journey through the inner working of his mind and creative process, Paul Scheer demonstrates once again that the truth is often stranger—and funnier—than fiction. Joyful Recollections of Trauma offers a unique perspective on universal themes: growing up, working through a challenging childhood, staying true to yourself, and finding success, fulfillment, and happiness in often strange and difficult circumstances. Throughout, Paul shares both the hard-fought lessons and the laughter that can be found in the darkest parts of life, and reminds us that what matters is not what you’ve been through but who you are becoming. If you loved recent memoirs by Molly Shannon, Maria Bamford, RuPaul, and Jennette McCurdy—or any book that moves you to both laughter and tears—Joyful Recollections of Trauma is the perfect listen for you.

©2024 Paul Scheer (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Paul cheer is funny and deep

This booked warmed my heart with its honesty and bravery. Listened to it in two days, so good

Get the book and enjoy

Paul is a wonderful story teller, I've been a fan of the Podcast years and his character on The League is hilarious. His book isn't all comedy and laughs, obviously based on the title itself, Paul has some rough times, and quite frankly, a bit heartbreaking as a child but built him into who he is now. Well done, Paul, FIVE STARS!

Geostorm!!

What an incredible story, but also so reliable at the same time. Definitely a must listen to.

great reading!

nothing! loved the book! Paul is such a good guy it was wild to hear his story

How Did This Get Made!

If you love HDTGM, this book is for you. Don’t hesitate, just buy it. Heart-wrenching and heart warming.

GEOSTORM!!!

As someone who has listened to Paul’s podcasts for many years, I jumped to preorder his book as an audiobook. I was not disappointed. Paul deals with trauma with humor and compassion and his delivery is charming. Will definitely relisten!

Touching and funny.

If you know and like Paul Scheer on “How did this get made” you will have a good time listening to this book. It is funny, moving and at times heartbreaking.

Wonderful and heartwarming story

Paul is amazing and did a great job telling his story! I loved hearing him recollect his memories

Mowing Support

It takes me about 3 hours to mow my property on a riding lawnmower so I usually listen to music. I downloaded this book and thought I'd listen to it while mowing. I laughed so much that onlookers might have questioned my sanity but I didn't care. listening to this book made mowing a lot more enjoyable!

A wonderfully funny and touching story of life, love and all things funny.

Paul tells the full story behind some of the hilarious and strange events that shaped him. Not only funny but intimate and brutally honest. I highly recommend. This is my new favorite autobiography. Well done Paul.